Coast to City Lights and Delights

Starting at Kaiwaka and heading north, this one to three-day itinerary suggests some of the tastiest spots in the area.

The subtropical north is a big region producing plenty of bold flavours and warm hospitality. We've created four guides to help you to experience the best food and drink across Taitokerau Northland. Take your pick as you travel through, or follow the itinerary below for a delicious self-guided foodie tour. As you discover this beautiful southern east coast of Taitokerau, there are three Northland Journeys that will help you make the most of it. These free downloadable maps are great for exploring must-visit places as well as hidden gems. 

Coast to City Lights and Delights Itinerary

Duration: 1- 3 days

From the little town of lights, Kaiwaka, to the vibrant city of Whangārei, and on to the coastal delight, Tutukākā, this itinerary takes your tastebuds on tour. Cheese to chocolate to coffee, plant-based to Asian-fusion to kaimoana (seafood), there's something to tempt every palate. Pick and choose as you please, or follow the itinerary word-for-word. 

Want a sneak peak at some of the locations in this foodie itinerary?

Enjoy this video from from Thomas and Sheena at Chasing a Plate to see their highlights as they travel this itinerary around Northland.

DAY 1

Morning

If you’re coming from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland set off early to make a breakfast or brunch stop at Eutopia Café in Kaiwaka. As much a feast for the eyes as it will be for your belly, the colourful handcrafted building is adorned with mosaics, sculptures, and carvings that will start your day with a smile. Enjoy local organic coffee and a hearty breakfast or brunch in the arty ambience of the open-air café, with a menu that includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Before you leave, head across the carpark to the Kaiwaka Cheese Shop to pick up some holiday supplies. In addition to a large range of New Zealand and European cheeses, you’ll also find lots of Northland-made specialty products.

Take the short drive into Mangawhai Village and stop off at iconic chocolatiers Bennetts of Mangawhai. Stepping into the beautiful Mediterranean-inspired courtyard and through the giant swing door to the chocolate shop and factory is a delight to the senses. This family-owned business takes sustainability seriously and celebrates local seasonal ingredients which burst from their award-winning products. Stock up on sweet treats and enjoy a signature hot chocolate from the character-filled café.

Afternoon

As you follow The Welcoming Coast Northland Journey map, taking in the sights of magical Mangawhai, take a short diversion into the hills where you will find a number of olive groves and vineyards. Stop off at Brooke Lane Vineyard for a wine tasting of Rosé, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay with Ray, and peruse Nicky’s boutique art gallery. Cheeky Charlie, the resident Jack Russell will probably greet you on arrival, and be sure to ask about the long finn eels and pet Tui which are also a part of this welcoming family business.

Take your time heading along the coast to soak in the sparkling ocean bays of Langs Beach and Waipu. Once you have worked up an appetite, enjoy the best of fresh local ingredients and a laid-back vibe at The Cove Café. Set beachside at Waipu Cove you can stop for a quick bite or settle in for a multi-course lunch and drinks. Picking up multiple awards over the years, The Cove Café has become a must-visit destination.

Heading a little further north into the quaint town centre of Waipu, a leisurely stroll will reward with its historic Scottish heritage and vintage shopping. Pop into Logan McLean Wholefoods Store if you want to pick up some locally grown produce or plant-based products.

Evening

With a well-known reputation for producing some of the best craft beer in the country, a visit to this area wouldn’t be complete without a meal at McLeod’s Pizza Barn. The welcoming country atmosphere embraces its Scottish ties and serves up generous tasty meals alongside its award-winning beer. Regularly featuring limited releases, the friendly bar staff will happily provide a taste of what’s on offer.    

This area has a great range of places to lay your head, from unique glamping spots to boutique lodges and B&B’s.

DAY 2

Morning

Before heading north into Whangārei, take the coastal drive through Ruakākā and on to Marsden Cove Marina for breakfast at The Marina Cafe and Restaurant. Located on the water with a large patio overlooking the marina, the menu features fresh ingredients in a huge selection of kiwi and Thai fusion dishes, including vegan, gluten free and dairy free options. 

Fueled up and ready for the day, take the drive along State Highway 1 and head into the heart of Whangārei City. The Town Basin is the beginning of your next Northland Journey, Where Giants Gather. The extraordinary Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery takes centre stage here, enjoy the quayside buzz with lots of boutique shopping and art to peruse, or take a walk around the Hātea Loop and learn some of the local history along the way.

Afternoon

Time to discover the magnificent natural landscape of Whangārei Heads. The meandering drive dipping in and out of coastal bays and around the volcanic peaks offers plenty of reasons to stop and explore. All the ocean air will soon have you ready for lunch. Take your pick of classic takeaways on the beach at McLeod’s Bay Fish & Chips, a made-with-love café meal at popular Smith & Local in Parua Bay or enjoy a generous pub lunch at the Historic Parua Bay Tavern. If you need fuel before heading back to town, be sure to fill up at the Parua Bay Gas Station where you will also find locally grown produce, cheese, and local free-range eggs.

Evening

The best way to enjoy balmy evenings in Whangārei is to head back to the Town Basin. A great cluster of restaurants within walking distance means you can choose just one or make a night of it and sample the flavours of many. Start with seasonal cocktails and snacks at the bustling Aqua Bar & Restaurant inside the Hundertwasser Art Centre, then move on to a main meal and pair it with some Northland wine at The Quay, or go Asian-fusion at No.8. If you want to top the night off right then you can’t go past Loco. Enjoy the tunes and let the bar staff create you some magic alongside a Mexican-inspired sweet treat!

There are lots of accommodation options in and around Whangārei, from central city hotels to casual motels and quaint B&B’s.

DAY 3

Morning

What better way to start the day than with the perfect cup of locally roasted coffee? Pop into legendary Biggie Bagels and match your coffee order with one of their delicious, handcrafted bagels. Don’t worry if there’s a queue, the Biggie’s team run a smooth operation, service is swift and you’ll have your fix in no time. If you’re after a light and airy setting head instead to Sabio Coffee and enjoy one of their onsite roasted brews with an easy breakfast from their daily cabinet offering. And if you prefer your brunch with a mimosa, then the Quail Cafe in the Whangārei Quarry Gardens is the spot to be, with an excellent brunch menu, and delicious cabinet food to boot. 

Afternoon

Your next Northland Journey awaits and it’s with very good reason that it’s named Into The Wild Blue Yonder. Take your time to discover why the beautiful Tutukākā Coast is a magnet for those who love a relaxed pace of life.

Plan to slow down, take in the sights and pick up some goodies along the way for lunch by the ocean, you’ll be spoilt for choice of stunning picnic spots. The impressive Otuihau Whangārei Falls is worth a stop and inspiration for lunch will come together when you pop into Huanui Fresh on the road out to Ngunguru. Fresh local produce, and local artisan products will easily fill the picnic basket, and you'll be hard pressed to walk past the Mrs Kwacka's Coffee Shop cabinet filled with delectable sweet treats like doughnuts, cookie pies, and cinny buns. 

The rest of the day is yours to explore as you journey Into The Wild Blue Yonder. Swim, surf or snorkel your way around the great Pacific Ocean, or simply wander the many picturesque bays and walks in this special area.

Evening

After a day of coastal adventure, you’ll be ready to hang up the wetsuit and walking shoes and step into the inviting hospitality of Tututākā icon Schnappa Rock. Pull up a seat, order a drink and peruse their relaxed Pacific-inspired menu. Absolutely committed to sustainability and freshness, each dish will likely feature an abundance of lovingly grown produce from their own restaurant garden. Enthusiastic locals will also tell you that any of the locally sourced kaimoana (seafood) dishes come highly recommended.

If you like to be in walking distance of your evening meal then you may have already booked a stay at Quality Oceans Hotel Tutukākā or Lodge 9, or take your pick from plenty of other options close-by.